COS 039 - Too Much Information

Under the darkness of the new moon, the new party set out with some trust issues. Ghalwin was cagey about revealing information to his teammates, which incensed Tobias and Ajuni. As they got to know him, they worried that he was completely insane; however, they were at least grateful for his foraging skills. Powered by a goulash of greens, fungi, and small game, they traveled two days southwest to the Wizard of Wines.

After a few terse conversations, Ghalwin began opening up to them at van Richten's behest. He divulged everything that he had learned on his journey so far, including: Strahd's history as a warlord who had invoked a Dark Power during his brother's marriage; The Pack's tarokka readings that had revealed items that could defeat Strahd, a prophesized ally to help them, and a final location to fight him; as well as the crumbs of information he had collected about the Ladies Three. In turn, they told him about their journey, and surmised that Szabina Pokolytsch was in some way related to the Huntress.

Tobias asked the paladin to teach him some survival skills, as he was insecure about being a forest gnome who hated the forest. They developed an unlikely propinquity as Tobias offered his services as an enchanted armorer. He also crafted pint-sized platemail for Pip after the mouse strong-armed him into it. The newly awakened Pip was fond of the artificer despite hating Tobias' long name.

As they camped, Mormeros and Ajuni ignored the lure of a will-o-wisp deep in the woods, and they made it to the winery, where they were greeted by Adrian Martikov and seven of his family members. They quickly and awkwardly ran down to the wine cellar to hide, however, as Ghalwin suddenly remembered to speak to his death-mirror containing the ghost of Tasha Petrovna. For now, they held off on sending her to kill anyone, and instead had the Martikovs draw up baths and prepare meals for them. As Mormeros soaked, he spoke to his patron Dharus through a candleflame. Though the Archdevil was angry, Momo calmed him down, but began wondering if he should leave Barovia at all.

The old patriarch Davian joined them at dinner, and everyone took their seats except Mormeros who remained in a bathtub at the tableside. They discussed what they had learned after Laszlo had overtaken Old Bonegrinder, and together, came up with a theory; by reconsecrating the fanes of the Ladies Three, they could strip Strahd of his control over the land. This would remove many of his protections, and likely shrink the valley, as Davian believed that the vampire had bloated the land's size in accordance with his ego. However, Ajuni surmised that doing so would likely kill him, and when he awoke from death, he would deliver it straight back to them.

For now, they decided to see The Abbot about his miracles, then go to Argynvostholt to look for their fated object and Ezmerelda d'Avenir. Firstly, however, they would enjoy their stay at the only truly friendly place in Barovia.